Chicago.

Several old cars were parked haphazardly along the street, their colors long since eroded by time. The once shiny paint had become mottled, and rust crept out from every corner.

Some windows were shattered, and the bodies were covered with scratches and dents.

Graffiti of varying colors and disorderly designs covered the already weathered walls. Bullet holes in the walls spoke of past turmoil and chaos.

If one looked closely, fresh bloodstains on the walls would indicate a recent intense gunfight.

A blond man staggered forward, his body bleeding profusely, staining his white shirt red. He pressed his hand tightly against his wound, hoping to slow the bleeding.

Suddenly, he spun around, moving quickly and decisively, and pulled out a handgun.

"Come out! You've been following me for a while now. What do you want?"

Despite his trembling from the injury, his eyes were as sharp as a beast's.

A young, beautiful woman emerged from the shadows, her hands raised in a gesture of surrender.

"Please don't be alarmed. I mean no harm. I'm just heading in the same direction as you."

The man narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing her.

Her demeanor seemed harmless, but under these circumstances, who could easily trust a stranger? His brows furrowed, and his eyes were full of suspicion.

"If you don't tell the truth, I'll shoot," the man said coldly, like a venomous snake ready to strike.

The woman sighed softly.

"Alright, the truth is, I don't know where I want to go. You might not believe this, but I have lost all my memories of the past. I don't remember my name or where I live.

When I woke up, there was a gunfight, so I hid. I only dared to come out once everyone had left. For someone like me, staying here alone for half a day would certainly lead to no good outcome. Besides, you seem familiar to me, so I decided to follow you."

Her voice carried a tone of sincerity and helplessness that made the man's gaze soften slightly, but he continued to stare at her, trying to determine if she was lying.

The woman's gaze met his steadily without flinching, which made him waver a little, but he remained vigilant.

"You seem to be losing a lot of blood. It looks like the bullet passed through without hitting any vital organs," the woman continued, her eyes lingering on the man's wound before looking up at him with a calm, professional demeanor.

"If you don't get treated soon, you might pass out from blood loss."

She seemed surprised by her own words, as if confirming her familiarity with medical knowledge.

She thought to herself, "Looks like I've had professional medical training, maybe a nurse or a field doctor?

Wait!

Stay focused!

Now is not the time to reminisce.

She silently reminded herself: This man seems smart and tough; he won't be easy to deal with. I need to survive first.

"If I were your enemy, I would've killed you already. You're just hanging on by a thread.

Here's the deal: I'll help you get out of here safely, and in return, you provide me shelter until I recover my memory or can fend for myself. Deal?"

The man scrutinized her eyes, trying to see into her soul. His logic told him not to trust her, but her eyes were so sincere it was hard to doubt. He felt his body weakening, his consciousness starting to fade, but he knew he had to decide quickly.

"Deal," he finally whispered.

As soon as he finished speaking, his body gave out, and he lost consciousness. Fortunately, the woman was quick to catch him before he hit the ground.

When the man woke up again, he found himself in an unfamiliar hotel room, his wounds already bandaged.

"Why didn't you take me to the hospital?"

"Has anyone ever told you that you're really difficult to deal with? If I had taken you to the hospital, you'd be dead by now," the woman replied, rolling her eyes impatiently.

"What makes you say that?"

The woman spread her hands, exasperated. "We both know the answer. If I had taken you to the hospital, your enemies would have found you. You might as well have walked into their hands."

The man was silent for a moment before nodding, recognizing the truth in her words.

"You're smarter than I expected."

"I'm very smart!" the woman corrected him.

"I just don't know how someone with your attitude has survived this long. Honestly, if I had to spend three days with someone like you, I'd probably want to kill you too."

"Hey, remember the deal we made before you passed out!"

"I wish I could forget. I must've been out of my mind to make such a deal. This might be the most expensive medical service I've ever provided, and the cost is having someone freeload off me indefinitely,"

the man said, with a look of smug satisfaction that betrayed his feigned reluctance.

Although they hadn't known each other long, the woman seemed accustomed to his irritating manner of speaking. She didn't argue back, instead, she turned to get him a burger and some medicine.

"Take your medicine first, and then use this to shut your mouth. If you keep talking, I might really end up killing you."

"By the way, Little Lost, you can call me Steve."

"I have a name! I just can't remember it. From now on, call me Nova."

Just then, Steve's phone rang. Seeing his expression turn serious, Nova guessed it wasn't good news.

"seven percent? Have you identified the specific cause?"

After a while, Steve continued:"You did well. In addition, have the data analysis team provide a detailed market trend report, including competitors' movements, customer purchasing behaviors, and preferences, and conduct a SWOT analysis. I want the report on my desk before I return to the office."

"It seems your company is facing significant challenges,"
Nova remarked after Steve hung up the phone. "A market share decline doesn't just mean reduced revenue; it can also affect brand reputation and customer loyalty, and even impact stock prices and investor confidence."

Steve looked at Nova, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "You know about these things?"

Nova's tone was light and confident. "I just lost my memories, but I'm not an idiot. Maybe before I lost my memory, I worked in a related field." Her apparent medical knowledge and understanding of business management made her curious about her past profession.

Steve raised an eyebrow, smiling slightly, a hint of admiration and amusement in his eyes.

"Little Lost—oh, sorry, Nova, are you interested in working for my company?"

Nova smiled, her tone teasing. "How do you know there's a suitable position for me at your company?"

Steve's smile was full of confidence. "One reason I've achieved my current success is my ability to recognize others' strengths and place them in positions where they can excel. Even if you were an idiot, I'd find the right spot for you to thrive."

Nova looked at him with interest, a challenge in her eyes. "Oh, really? Then what position do you think suits me?"

Steve's lips curled into a sly smile. "Company spokesperson."

Nova was momentarily taken aback, then laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "For once, something nice came out of your mouth. I'll take that as a compliment."

You truly deserve it, Steve thought to himself. His eyes lingered on her, marveling at her beauty. Nova's beauty was stunning. Her features were delicate and well-defined, especially her eyes, which were as deep and clear as a lake. Her high cheekbones and long eyelashes added depth to her face. Her body was tall and well-proportioned, with a slim waist and graceful curves.

As Nova sat in the chair, reflecting on her conversation with Steve, she couldn't help but smile. Despite his sharp tongue, she sensed his kindness and care. Even if she never recovered her memories, Steve's offer of a job meant she wouldn't have to worry about her future.

The sound of water in the bathroom disrupted Nova's thoughts. She found herself thinking about the man under the shower, the water running over his handsome face, down his neck, over his broad chest, and across his abs... Nova felt her face heat up.

Wait! What am I thinking?

Maybe it's just because he's the first person I've met since losing my memory, she reasoned with herself. Trying to dispel her thoughts, Nova was about to get up when she heard a thud from the bathroom, followed by Steve's groan of pain.

"Steve, are you okay?"

Nova's actions were faster than her voice. She quickly ran into the bathroom.

Pushing open the bathroom door, Nova saw Steve on the floor, wincing in pain. His naked body stood out in the mist, his muscular chest and abs gleaming under the light. Nova's eyes lingered on him, her cheeks instantly turning red, and her heart started racing.

"Steve!"

Nova hurried to help him up, her hand touching his bare skin, feeling his tense muscles. Her face reddened, but her eyes were full of concern.

Steve raised his head with difficulty. Seeing Nova, a hint of embarrassment flashed in his eyes.

"I... I'm fine. I just slipped." He tried to stand, but his weakened body couldn't support him.

Nova helped Steve stand, her heartbeat quickening from their proximity. She noticed his firm chest and abs, feeling a strange sensation rise in her heart.

Steve also sensed the subtle tension between them. He felt Nova's soft hands on his skin, stirring something inside him. His gaze lingered on her face, seeing her blushing cheeks and sparkling eyes, filling him with an uncontrollable emotion.

He knew that even without their deal, he would have found a way to keep her close. He had developed a deep longing for her.

She was unlike any woman he had ever met. Perhaps she was a gift from heaven.

"Thank you, Nova."

Nova's beauty, intelligence, and the tenderness hidden beneath her calm exterior deeply attracted him.

Their eyes met, an unspoken current of electricity between them. Nova's heart raced, her inner turmoil growing stronger. She knew she could no longer deny the attraction she felt towards Steve.